After deciding yourself or a loved on requires home care, you will have likely worked with a domiciliary care agency like Acoup to create a tailored plan on how to best move forward. 

Offering everything from maternity care to senior and elderly companions, a start date will then have been put in place for when your caregiver will begin working in the home. 

Often a big change for most people, it is a good idea to start thinking about how you can understand and prepare  for the home care you will be receiving. If you choose a domiciliary care agency such as Acoup, they will be able to tailor a plan around your needs and make the experience as stress-free as possible. 

READ MORE: The benefits of home health care: https://acoup.co.uk/article/5/The%20Benefits%20of%20Home%20Health%20Care 

Once a plan is in  place and you know how the care will look, there are a series of things you can do to prepare for the change and transition. 

If you are at this stage, here are some of the main factors to think about before your home care starts: 

1. Organising your home 

After choosing a caregiver who you are comfortable with, it's important to lay out your expectations and boundaries with them so you are all on the same page. 

Although you don't need to spend hours deep cleaning the house before their arrival, you should also think about things such as are there any obstructions or hazards you could clear, if the house easy to navigate, and if there is anything the caregiver will need during their shift that you don't currently have. 

Do a walkthrough of the home, what will the caregiver need to know, should you label where things are, should your personal items be more organised? Important items such as medication and emergency contacts should be clearly labelled and easy to locate in case of any issues etc. 

No two people's homes are the same, so the way you like things done, or any individual needs should also be discussed so the caregiver can provide the best level of attention and care possible. 

2. Communicate with all parties involved 

Prior to home care beginning you will have spent time researching different agencies, and likely found one that offers the specific care you are searching for and can best adapt it to your needs. 

From there, it is a good idea to let friends or family know about the changes that will be taking place in your home, so they can understand the new schedule better. 

Having home care for many people will also make life and logistics easier, allowing them to have support and assistance both around the house and heading out for day-to-day or social activities. 

If the home care you have organised is for a loved one, it's also important to make sure they are fully informed and comfortable and have had all of their questions and concerns answered. 

They may be hesitant or resistant to accept home help, so communicating with them about all aspects of this change is essential. 

It can be a change and make take some adapting but the point of having someone with you at home is to make life easier and more comfortable. 

If you have questions and queries about what else you should do to prepare for your individual and tailored care, it is also a good idea to reach out and ask your care agency. They will know exactly what personalised plan they have created for you, and what both parties will need to do their job and form a great relationship. 

At Acoup, we want to ensure you and your family are completely prepared for home care, and strive to create a positive, stress-free and easy introduction of at home care into your life. 

Offering services ranging from elderly and dementia care at home, to companions and mentors for adults and everything in-between, we take the time to understand exactly what will suit your family the best. 

Always prioritizing professional, expert, and personalised care, Acoup is the partner of The Housekeeping Co LLC, (Est 2011) and its group of companies based in the UAE, who have pioneered the way ahead for governments and industry change in the domiciliary care and domestic services.

You can find more information on all of our services available in Edinburgh on our website, acoup.co.uk 

READ NEXT:

-          Signs your loved one may need home care: https://acoup.co.uk/article/6/Signs%20your%20loved%20one%20needs%20at%20home%20care

-          Tips for a healthier lifestyle: https://acoup.co.uk/article/7/Tips%20for%20a%healthy%20lifestyle